In-Site on the lastest Political and Business News from Political Scientist Undergrad, Author and Song Writer, Delbert "RAS" Harris

Dec 11, 2007

Microloans

Mirco Loan Companies

Well if you didn't know by now, I’m a man of faith. I’m a firm believer of God and charity. My wife and I support our local church, plus we like to give till it hurts. Yet, after I can't afford to give anymore; I still look for ways to help people while remaining financially logical. Here's something I stumble up on in Smart Money Magazine, Mircoloans. Some of you reading may be like, "Man Ras, you late; I been seen that on Oprah". But just like my first kiss, I was so excited to read this I had to tell somebody.

There are several companies set up via web to receive small investments (some as low as $25) in the form of Microloans. The monies are issued to citizens of foreign countries to fund their business ventures and help fight poverty. The businesses range from grocery stores, to pharmacies, to construction, or even shoes and cattle. Some of these loans are secured (so there’s no concern about you losing your shirt, right?, $25, shirt, get it). Plus they have maturity dates with small interest rates.

Now if you like me, you think big. So now you should be asking yourself, there's no money in that. Why not just give it away? Well look at it this way, this would be a great way to train your children to invest money. Or maybe you want to venture into business investment yourself. Here you start with minimum liability, and you're helping others; so in return others will help you (karma). Below are a few of these companies for you to checkout, and maybe even invest in. For the record, I don’t think we can ever completely end poverty. But I do believe opportunity should be available to everyone.

Kiva.org

Microplace.com

Oikocredit.org

2 comments:

Sketch the Journalist said...

Mos def man. Microloans/microfinance is a GREAT way to do something about global property and at the same time teaches responsibility to those who are accepting the loans.

It's a Kingdom idea if I ever heard one.

The RAS Report said...

Here, here